How to Make a Vegan Reuben Sandwich

One of the things I miss the most about being a vegetarian is deli sandwiches. And as I continue to work toward becoming a vegan, thus removing dairy from my diet, my ability to quench my desire for a hoagie, grinder, hero, Dagwood, good old-fashioned, meat- and cheese-stacked mountain of a sandwich will become increasingly more challenging. Now don’t get me wrong, I do not regret my decision to remove animal products from my diet several years ago—I love being a veg head…it’s just that sometimes the salivary glands take over where logic attempts to rule.

To all of the above I say: TGFT!

Huh?

THANK GOD FOR TEMPEH!

What is tempeh?



So, what are the keys to a good sandwich, a Reuben in particular?

· excellent bread
· tasty dressing
· fresh produce

· good cheese
· and, the key ingredient: deli meat!

In the case of the Reuben, that meat consists of either corned beef or pastrami. Leading one to ask:

HOW CAN ANYTHING VEGAN TASTE ANYTHING AS GOOD AS A REAL REUBEN!

Good question. Here’s how:



The best part, besides the taste, of my Veg Out with Mike Vegan Reuben is the nutritional value versus a real, meat/cheese/mayo/butter laden one. The saturated fats in my vegan version are only 2 grams. That’s all! For a real Reuben? Anywhere from 12-20 grams, depending on how much meat/cheese/mayo/butter you use. My sandwich is also lower in sodium, calories, and cholesterol. In fact, there is virtually no cholesterol in the vegan Reuben versus over 100 mgs in a traditional one.

The desire to lower my cholesterol, lose weight, and live a happier, healthier, more fit, and, hopefully, longer life was my main reason for becoming a vegetarian. I hope my Veg Out with Mike Vegan Reuben propels you on your own path to better nutrition and fitness.  Oh, and taste!

How do you make my vegan Reuben? Here are the ingredients:

6 oz. tempeh (marinated)
2 slices vegan Swiss cheese
4 oz. organic sauerkraut
2 slices whole grain rye
Two tbs. thousand island/Russian dressing
1 tsp. olive oil

Tempeh Marinade:

2 tbs lemon juice
2 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
1 tbs olive oil
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cloves
salt and pepper to taste

Thousand Island/Russian dressing:

2 tbs nayonaise (vegan mayo)
2 tbs organic ketchup
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (vegan)
1 tsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Remember: Just because you choose a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle doesn't mean you have to skimp on taste...or give up all those great comfort foods you love.

Until next time...

peace,

Mike
livelife365.com